Dental Sealants: An Investment in Oral Health

Sealants are thin, plastic coatings painted on the chewing surfaces of the back teeth. By covering the chewing surfaces of the molars, sealants keep out the germs and food that cause decay. They can be put on in dentists' offices, clinics, and sometimes in schools.

Sealants are painted on as a liquid and quickly harden to form a shield over the tooth. The process is simple and painless. They are clear or tinted. Tinted sealants are easier to see.

Who Should Get Sealants?

Children should get sealants on their permanent molars as soon as the teeth come in, before
decay sets in. The first permanent molars come in between ages 5-7. The second permanent molars (12-year molars) come in between ages 11-14. Other teeth with pits and grooves—called premolars or bicuspids—which are located right in front of the molars, can also be sealed. Teenagers and adults without decay or fillings in their molars can also benefit from sealants.

Your dentist might also advise having your child’s baby teeth sealed, especially if they have deep pits and grooves. Baby teeth play an important role in holding the correct spacing for permanent teeth, making it even more important to keep these teeth healthy so they do not fall out early.

How Is It Done?

The tooth is cleaned and dried, and cotton or other material is used to keep the tooth dry. An acidic solution is put on the tooth to roughen the surface so the sealant can stick. The tooth is then rinsed and dried. The sealant hardens in a few seconds after a liquid application or exposure to a special light. If a small cavity is accidentally covered by a sealant, decay won't spread because it is sealed off from food and germs.

Are Sealants Worth the Price?

Sealants can last up to 10 years, but they need to be checked at regular dental check-ups to make sure they are not chipped or worn away. More sealant material can be added to repair chips or worn sealants.

Having sealants put on healthy teeth now will save you money in the long run by avoiding fillings, crowns, or caps used to fix decayed teeth. The most important reason for getting sealants is to avoid tooth decay. Healthy teeth can last a lifetime. Maintaining healthy teeth is now believed to be an important part of maintaining good general health. Many insurance companies pay for sealants. Check with your company for details.

What Are Other Ways to Prevent Tooth Decay?

Clean between teeth daily with floss or interdental cleaners.

Use a manual or electric toothbrush. Brush your teeth at least twice a day with a fluoride toothpaste.

This content is reviewed regularly and is updated when new and relevant evidence is made available. This information is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with questions regarding a medical condition.

Dental sealants in children (age 6 to 11). The National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research website. Available at:
http://www.nidcr.nih.gov/DataStatistics/FindDataByTopic/DentalSealants/Children.
Accessed July 22, 2014.

Oral health. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website. Available at: http://www.cdc.gov/chronicdisease/resources/publications/aag/doh.htm. Updated July 29, 2011. Accessed July 22, 2014.

Seal out tooth decay. The National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research website. Available at:
http://www.nidcr.nih.gov/OralHealth/Topics/ToothDecay/SealOutToothDecay.htm.
Updated August 2012. Accessed July 22, 2014.